Odessa

We had a great time in Odessa, so much nicer than Kiev. The city is definitely a tourist town catering to everyone. Of course we still had our personal tour guide Alona so once again not much thinking on our part of where to go and what to see. She has definitely spoiled us, something we can easily get used to. One of the things I liked about this city is how they are renovating the old buildings keeping the beautiful architecture instead of knocking them down and rebuilding which would be much cheaper and faster. Walking along the pedestrian walkway at night was reminiscent of an amusement park with the carnival games and the street performers who were very talented. There aren’t too many historical sights to see so this was more of a laid back, relaxing part of our vacation which is always a happy time for me. ?

The weather was fantastic and the food was great and reasonably priced.

In my last post of Kiev, I purposely didn’t mention the crazy driving habits, but after more scary episodes I felt it was time to tell all. Was I scared? Yes. But I was more amazed that I didn’t see more accidents or cars with dents.

You know what red lights are in Ukraine? Suggestions (courtesy of C.P.S.)
You know what pedestrians are in Ukraine? Targets
You know what traffic lines in the road are in Ukraine? Abstract Art

We part ways with Cody and Alona for a few weeks as we travel in different directions but will meet up with them in Montenegro. It’s fun traveling with family so we are excited that we will see them again soon. We are also excited that Chad has a week off of school and will spend time with us in Florence, Italy. Yay, the entire family together for a week in October.

The Potemkin Stairs, or Potemkin Steps, is a giant stairway in Odessa, Ukraine. The stairs are considered a formal entrance into the city from the direction of the sea and are the best known symbol of Odessa

Pryvoz Market

Monument to Steve Jobs

Building renovation

Pedestrian walkway